PRINCE OF WALES’S STAKES

DYLAN THOMAS
4yo bay colt; Danehill – Lagrion
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
Form: 131414-112
“Didn’t handle dirt when last of four in a Grade 1 contest at Belmont Park last October but he still enjoyed a fine 2006 and won three races including Irish Derby and Group 1 Irish Champion Stakes. He was also a mighty third to Sir Percy in Vodafone Derby and only went under by a head to Notnowcato in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh recently. His two wins this term came in Listed company at the Curragh and in Group 1 Prix Ganay when a most impressive two-length scorer over Irish Wells.”

MANDESHA
4yo bay filly; Desert Style – Mandalara
Trainer: Alain de Royer Dupre
Form: 011d111-1
“A really sturdy filly and looks more like a strong little colt and ended up the leading three-year-old in Europe last season after landing a trio of Group 1s. She operates from 8f - 12f and there has already been talk of a crack at the Arc later in the year. She didn’t have to be at her best to win Group 2 fillies and mares contest at Saint-Cloud in May and will be an interesting contender on what will be her first venture outside France.”

MANDURO
5yo brown horse; Monsun – Mandellicht
Trainer: Andre Fabre
Form: 13233232-11
“Likely to be only runner at the Royal meeting for his extremely astute handler and also holds an entry in the Queen Anne Stakes although connections are leaning towards this longer target. Wasn’t beaten far in this race last year when third to Ouija Board after having to wait for a run and comes here in the peak of from after his five-length trouncing of Turtle Bowl in Group 1 at Longchamp last month. Gets a mile and quarter well and tends to be ridden from off the pace before coming surging through with a devastating turn of foot.”

NOTNOWCATO
5yo chestnut horse; Inchinor – Rambling Rose
Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute
Form:115210-41
“Also holds an entry in the Eclipse Stakes and appears to be a typical older type of horse from his yard that just gets better as he gains maturity – he’s certainly come a long way since winning a handicap in 2005 off a mark of 95. After two Group 3 wins last year, he went on the land the Group 1 International Stakes at York and was almost certainly over the top when last in the Champion Stakes in October. He’s come back as good as ever this term and stuck on bravely to pip Dylan Thomas a head in Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup in May.”

RED ROCKS
4yo bay colt: Galileo – Pharmacist
Trainer: Brian Meehan
Form: 1122231-91
“Didn’t stay when third to Sixties Icon in last year’s St Leger but still ended 2006 in style when victorious in the Breeders’ Cup Turf. Other decent efforts last season came when he was placed three times in Group 1 and 2 company and his end-of-year target is again said to be the Breeders Cup.
Effective at 10f, he also stays 12f well and he showed he was still going the right way when defying his Group 1 penalty to win the Betfred Gordon Richards Stakes with something in hand over Mashaahed.”

SIR PERCY
4yo bay colt; Mark of Esteem – Percy’s Lass
Trainer Marcus Tregoning
Form: 210-46
“Came out on top in one of the closest Derby finishes in ages when short-heading Dragon Dancer at Epsom last June on just his second racecourse appearance. Had problems afterwards and wasn’t seen out again in 2006 until only beating one home in Champion Stakes. Showed he was on the way back when excellent fourth in Sheema Classic in Dubai but again disappointed when second last in Coronation Cup. Goes on most ground and would be a serious threat if recapturing his best. Usually edgy and can sweat up beforehand.”